Bolivar Bar Faces Social Media Firestorm Over Fundraiser For Accused Cop Killer
BOLIVAR (KDKA) -- A Westmoreland County bar owner is facing backlash on social media over a controversial fundraiser.
People are upset about where the money donated will go.
Paul's Stumble Inn bar in Bolivar allegedly held the fundraiser recently for man accused of murdering a police officer.
The controversy started when someone from the inn posted a flyer on the bar's Facebook page.
It says, "Come support Ray Shetler!" The flyer says people would get discounts on pizza and beer, a DJ and door prizes would be offered as well.
In November of last year, St. Clair Officer Lloyd Reed Jr. was gunned down in the line of duty. Shetler is accused in the shooting.
The party flyer sparked an outpouring of anger against the bar. Paul's Stumble Inn Facebook page lit up with angry messages.
One said: "What a nice place you are running to support a cop killer. Maybe you should support the Reed family, not that piece of garbage that killed Officer Lloyd Reed Jr."
Another said: "I hope this puts you out of business. Obviously, you have no respect for law enforcement or your community."
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KDKA went to the bar and the home of the bar's owner where his granddaughter said to leave and stop hassling her grandparents.
Responding to the criticism, the bar posted a statement, saying in part, "A loved one came forth and asked if we would allow a drink/pizza special to help pay for attorney fees. We agreed. Everyone deserves a fair trial and a decent lawyer. We did not intend to upset anyone."
Representatives of the St. Clair Police Department declined comment on the bar's actions, citing the upcoming trial.
But Westmoreland County FOP President Robert Rummell told KDKA one the phone, "if it happened, it's sad." He asked for everyone to think about the family of the fallen officer and their struggles.
